Absorption refrigerator

[BRV]

So, we are new to Rving. We have a 2001 Q26 Jamboree. My question is, will the refrigerator stay good and cold if we get it to temp, then travel with the Propane off for 6-10 hours?

[Isaac-1]

Why turn off the propane while traveling, except while going through certain tunnels, on ferries, etc?

[Old-Biscuit]

Maybe...........

If doors are not opened, door seals don't leak, food compartment drip tray drain tube is not cracked/plug in end of tube in place etc etc

We just leave propane ON while traveling and don't worry about it

[d23haynes57]

For that vintage and being a smaller fridge, it probably works almost full time to get or stay cold. Does it have a 12-volt option? As others have mentioned you should be able to operate it on Propane while driving. Do be extremely careful to turn it off when refueling. Just in case.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Why turn off the propane while traveling, except while going through certain tunnels, on ferries, etc?

Add ; " Or fueling up " to the list of times when the fridge propane burner needs to be off.

I travel with the fridge running on propane and have done so for close to four decades with my five RVs .

Now ; I'll say , if your worried about having the fridge running on propane while driving ( I doubt that your 6-10 hours will be non stop ) then turn the fridge on when you stop for lunch .

[Isaac-1]

I would say turn off all propane appliances while refueling, but there is no need to turn off the propane tank valve at that time. Excessively turning on / off the tank valve is just asking for a propane leak at the valve stem eventually.

[Random01]

I keep my fridge off for about 14 hours daily, including during heat waves and I boondock full time, my food does not get spoiled.
I would never operate propane fridge while driving, way to get RV burned up, mine luckily switches to AC automatically if engine is on but I shut it down 7-8 am daily travel or not.

[Isaac-1]

Why do you think this is the way to get an RV to burn up?

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by Random01

I keep my fridge off for about 14 hours daily, including during heat waves and I boondock full time, my food does not get spoiled.
I would never operate propane fridge while driving, way to get RV burned up, mine luckily switches to AC automatically if engine is on but I shut it down 7-8 am daily travel or not.

If unsafe while in transit......it is unsafe while parked, while sleeping etc

Fridges, water heater, furnace have Flame Proving safety features.....flame goes out/gas valve shuts

[d23haynes57]

Many vehicles suffer from engine and electrical related fires. I myself have experience a fire from a failed exhaust pipe. Somehow, we still operate the engines to drive our vehicles. While I have respect for that small flame, I do not see it as a substantial risk over other things that can go wrong. Just having propane on board presents significant risks. I drive with my fridge on and having the absorption fridge is amongst the reasons I chose this rig.

[DFord]

The safest way to travel is with the propane valved off at the tank. Most don't bother to turn it off. The choice is completely yours to make.

The biggest source of fire in RVs is the diesel pusher engine. The second is the refrigerator.

As long as you only operate the refrigerator when it's level, it should not be a problem for you. They will overheat if operated off level.

Mac "The Fire Guy" used to teach seminars at the bigger RV rallies around the country. Sadly, his health failed him and he passed away some time ago but he left us with several YouTube videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC4eGPuD7y0

[Random01]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

If unsafe while in transit......it is unsafe while parked, while sleeping etc

Fridges, water heater, furnace have Flame Proving safety features.....flame goes out/gas valve shuts

Driving multiplies wind forces if the angle is right. This has effects on flames.
Same effect as ripped off rolled up awnings on the highway.
I doubt any RV manufacturers condone propane operation while in motion.
My manual states plainly to shut the main valve off.
Also some fridge models did not have proper flame protections,there are many problematic fridges out there.
Hence burned down RVs on the roadside

I would never want to drive with any propane appliance on

[Random01]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Why do you think this is the way to get an RV to burn up?

My manual, written with actual engineering guidance from people who went to school for it, says not to drive with propane appliances on, good enough for me

[Isaac-1]

Originally Posted by DFord

The safest way to travel is with the propane valved off at the tank. Most don't bother to turn it off. The choice is completely yours to make.

The biggest source of fire in RVs is the diesel pusher engine. The second is the refrigerator.

As long as you only operate the refrigerator when it's level, it should not be a problem for you. They will overheat if operated off level.

Mac "The Fire Guy" used to teach seminars at the bigger RV rallies around the country. Sadly, his health failed him and he passed away some time ago but he left us with several YouTube videos.

You are correct about diesel engines and refrigerators being the prime sources of RV fires, though the vast majority of those refrigerator fires occur when the RV is stationary, not while it is in motion, and is almost entirely due to leaking flammable refrigerator gases, and not directly the propane fuel supply.